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Shurba Bil Zayt

A comforting North African soup made with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, chickpeas, and a generous pour of olive oil. Finished with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a bright, rich flavor.

40 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

North AfricanSoupStovetopVeganVegetarianMediterraneanHigh FiberDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground caraway
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can canned chickpeas, drained
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks, sautéing for 6 minutes until vegetables soften.

  3. 3

    Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground caraway, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 1 can drained canned chickpeas, bringing the mixture to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup orzo pasta, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until pasta is tender.

  6. 6

    Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

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Questions

What is Shurba Bil Zayt?

A comforting North African soup made with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, chickpeas, and a generous pour of olive oil. Finished with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a bright, rich flavor. This reference files it under North African soup: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

How do I know when Shurba Bil Zayt is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until pasta is tender.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in Shurba Bil Zayt?

Yes. One 15-ounce can is about one and a half cups of cooked beans, which comes from a generous half cup dried. Soak them overnight and simmer until tender before you start the recipe. As written, the entry for Shurba Bil Zayt uses 1 can canned chickpeas, drained.

Can I make Shurba Bil Zayt gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Shurba Bil Zayt is 1/2 cup orzo pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Can I freeze Shurba Bil Zayt?

Yes. Refrigerate Shurba Bil Zayt for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it. The orzo will go on swelling in the broth; for the best texture on day two, store that part separately or cook it fresh.

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